Age cap for IVF co-funding

MOH's Reply

The Straits Times, 26 November 2014

Age cap for IVF co-funding: MOH replies

Madam Janet Lee asked why co-funding for the in-vitro fertilisation procedure was not extended to those aged 40 and above, and if the Medisave limit for the procedure could be lifted ("Review subsidy age cap for IVF"; last Wednesday).

As part of the Marriage and Parenthood Package, government co-funding for assisted reproduction technology (ART) treatments, which include IVF, was enhanced last year to cover up to 75 per cent of treatment costs, subject to caps per treatment cycle. The co-funding previously covered up to 50 per cent of treatment costs.

The age criterion for the ART co-funding scheme is currently set at below 40 years of age. This is based on current clinical evidence, which shows that the chance of conception for a woman who undergoes ART treatment decreases with age, with the success rate being significantly lower after 40.

The scheme is meant to encourage couples with difficulty conceiving to seek treatment early and, hence, focuses on those who start their cycle before they turn 40.

We will continue to monitor the clinical evidence and update the eligibility criteria where appropriate.

Medisave is primarily meant to cater for medically necessary treatment. However, to provide support for parenthood, we allow Medisave to be used for assisted conception procedures, up to a sizeable limit of $15,000 over a patient's lifetime. This helps to ensure that all

Singaporeans have sufficient funds for their lifetime health-care needs, especially during retirement.

Lim Bee Khim (Ms)
Director, Corporate Communications
Ministry of Health

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Forum Letter

The Straits Times, 19 November 2014

Review subsidy age cap for IVF

I am 41 years old and had a failed course of in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) in 2006.

The thought of having a baby ended then as the treatment cost me nearly $40,000 and was emotionally draining as well.

Recently, having heard of IVF success stories, I decided to go for further procedures at the KKIVF Centre in KK Women's and Children's Hospital.

I realised that I was not eligible for government subsidies or co-funding as I am above 40. Neither can I use Medisave as the cap is $15,000 per couple, which I used up in 2006.

I am still going ahead as I can afford the treatment.

With the Government encouraging more women to have children, why is there a subsidy age cap?

I am still deemed suitable for IVF, even though there will be more challenges at my age. But if I manage to have a baby, I can still support the child's education as the re-employment age is likely to be raised to 67 in future.

I hope the age cap for subsidies can be reviewed. All women who are suitable for and willing to undergo IVF should be treated fairly.

Perhaps the Medisave ceiling can also be lifted, as long as the couple are still working, so they can build up their Medisave again after using it for IVF.

Janet Lee (Madam)